Selichot

The month of Elul is a time for great reflection to prepare us for the High Holidays. While its origins begin with prayers recited at various times during the holidays it has become customary to hold a service on the Saturday night approximately a week before Rosh Hashanah to officially begin preparing for the HH’s. This holiday has come to be known as Selichot (forgiveness). Selichot is one of the most beautiful holidays of the entire High Holiday season.

The service which occurs in the evening is full of beautiful music played on harp, flute and keyboard and begins with the symbolic changing of the Torah covers from what are used all year long to the special white Torah covers used during the High Holidays. After the service there are refreshments followed by a study program pertaining to the issues of repentance and forgiveness.

Listen below to musical selection “K’Rachem Av” (merciful father) from the Temple Sinai Selichot service and hear the how the very nature of reflection and forgiveness are reflected in the music.

Significance: Preparation for the High Holidays
Customs: Study session and refreshments after service.
Date: September 1st, 2018